Northeast Scouting Report Blog

What if you were told Harvard University might be the best men's basketball team in the Northeast, would you believe it? When one thinks "Harvard" what initially comes to mind? Obviously elite education, huge endowments, and one of the most accomplished alumni networks in the world, but has "the basketball team" ever made that list? Well, there’s something brewing in Cambridge right now. ​Quiet as it's kept, they have four ESPN Top 100 prospects from the class of 2016 committed to the program this upcoming season. Chris Lewis (#68), Robert Baker (#97), Seth Towns (#98), and Bryce Aiken (#99) are projected make a substantial impact, especially in the Ivy League Conference.

​Head Coach Tommy Amaker will also have a strong prospect in Justin Bassey joining the program from the class as well. He received an ESPN grade of 79 and ranked 3rd in the state of Colorado. In addition to all of the fresh talent joining the program, it can't be overlooked that senior point guard Siyani Chambers will now be rejoining the program after last season's knee injury. ​

“Having Siyani back is big and we're ready to welcome him back," said Assistant Coach Brian Eskildsen. "Obviously being a senior with all of his success we look forward to having him back out there. He's been doing well with his rehab and looks ready to go." Chambers is a three-time All-Ivy League performer and former conference Rookie of the Year. Most importantly, though, he brings the needed experience and leadership necessary to shape the culture of a program that's retooling with youth.

When I tell you something is brewing in Cambridge, I really mean it.

​Those that follow the high school recruitment circuit closely have noticed there are only two schools in contention for the nation's Top 5 prospect, Wendell Carter. One is Duke; the other...Harvard.

According to 247Sports, Harvard is warm in the process and Carter’s mother has been quoted as saying “I really think ... Harvard has a better shot than people think. I think Harvard has a better shot than they even think. I really do."(Source: Aaron Torres, Fox Sports). Many think Wendell Carter is a one & done type of player. I’ve personally compared him to Chris Webber; however, do prospects sign at Harvard just to be a one & done? It seems that Harvard doesn't seem to be too concerned with the one & done speculation. “The goal is to always get the best players who can get admitted and do the work when they get here. We (Harvard Basketball) put ourselves in position to get these players. When you beat big teams while competing in big games on TV, people take notice. They then see us in a different light” as stated by Coach Eskildsen. ​

Well, everyone is taking notice. I recently spoke to a person close to Mohamed Bamba, another Top 5 prospect, who plays with PSA Cardinals AAU program and learned that he is giving Harvard strong consideration. As the chips fall in the recruitment process, don’t be surprised to see Harvard with a few more Top 100 prospects walking around Cambridge next season.